Tanzania can be seen from the window of a Land Rover, from a light aircraft crossing the plains of the Serengeti, or from the towering summit of snow-capped MT. Kilimanjaro. However, to truly appreciate Tanzania, your visit should include interaction with its people.
TANZANIA: MAASAI BUSHLAND ADVENTURE
Ngurdoto Village and the Mkuru Camel Camp in the Maasai bushland are situated just 30 Kilometers south of Arusha adjoining the Arusha National Park. This diverse region of forest, mountains, and sub-Sahara desert plains is known for its variety and abundance of birds, wildlife, and butterflies. The area is an important buffer for Arusha National Park and MT. Kilimanjaro- both significant reserves of flora and fauna.
This beautiful landscape of Arusha National Park and the Ngurdoto Crater punctuated by the summits of MT. Meru and Kilimanjaro lured the famous actor John Wayne to film Hatari in the area surrounding of the park. [Hatari means "Danger" in Swahili language!]
People of the Maasai and the Meru have settled throughout the forest here and established homes in small villages surrounded by native farms. The Meru and the Maasai enjoy welcoming visitors into their beautiful villages nestled within forested areas to observe traditional culture.
Population pressures and social development are putting increasing pressures on the natural environment. The Ngurdoto and Maasai Bushland Development program has been established to preserve the natural habitat, traditions and culture of the area, while facilitating educational and social development programs.
Among the attractions is a volcanic vent set within dense rain forest and abounding with dragonflies. This well is reputed to be the home of benevolent spirits. Among the many wild life species found in the area are the beautiful Black-and-white Colobus monkey, Syke’S/Blue Monkey, and the rambunctious Vervet monkeys. Short nature walks or longer walking safaris meander along elephant trails. Elephants, Cape buffalo, and numerous other small game species are often observed.
MAASAI MKURU CAMEL CAMP
From Arusha we travel by 4WD about 50 km to the Maasai Mkuru Camel camp. Enroute adventures can include a visit to Ngurdoto village, and the Ngurdoto Crater and Momella Lakes District both in Arusha National Park. Egrets, Sacred Ibis, hundreds of Greater and Lesser Flamingoes, numerous other water birds, and hippopotamus call these waters home. You may wish to enjoy a cool dip or some fishing in one of these lakes.
Walk beside or ride high above the ground on dromedary camels as the Maasai warriors act as your cameleer-guides. As you travel through acacia bush-land, you may observe wild giraffe, zebra, wildebeests, different species of antelopes and bucks, and many birds including the noisy Go-away bird and the beautiful iridescent purple and blue Superb Starlings. Plovers, sun birds, barbets, hornbills, and thrushes are frequently seen.
The trekking takes 6-7 days north through plains and bushland of the Maasai to Longido Village. The surrounding vista is punctuated by the majestic snow capped slopes of MT. Kilimanjaro [5896 metres] and MT. Meru [4566 metres], Gelai [2941 metres], and the distant blue Longido Hill, with its distinguishing rock face.
NGABOBO, NGATASUKA AND NGERIANI/LAKE NATRON AREA
Trekking these remote areas largely unknown to travelers is a memorable life experience. Walk through Maasai bush land to your destination, a manyatta [Maasai word for village] to observe and enjoy a short visit with the cattleherding Maasai during their daily activities.
The Maasai coexist harmoniously with wildlife amidst the beautiful landscape. The wildlife observed here include herds of elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, antelopes, small bucks, buffaloes, and troops of Black-and-white Colobus monkeys, Olive baboons, rare species of wild dogs, squirrels, lizards, porcupines, Kudus, Gerenuks, Fringe-Eared Oryx. You may also glimpse their predators, the African lion, the leopard, and the cheetah. Many species of birds including ostriches, vultures, francolins, and secretary birds roam these plains.
Rimming the southeastern edge of Lake Natron are the peaks of Gelai [2941 metres], Keremasi [2614], and Ol Donyo Lengai [2878 metres] an active volcano named by the Maasai as the “Mountain of God.” Climbing these challenging slopes may be arranged.
Lake Natron, one of Africa’s “soda lakes," is the home of many different species of water birds. Flamingoes favor this salty water as a location for breeding. Nearby, you can visit the thundering water falls of Ngaresero River, refreshing and cool amidst this hot area.
OLDUVAI GORGE AREA
Engaruka is one of Tanzania’s most important historical sites. Approximately 500 years ago, a farming community of several thousand people developed an ingenious irrigation and cultivation system. The water that flows from the Great Rift Valley escarpment was channeled into stone-built canals leading to stone-bench terraces. For unknown reasons, settlers abandoned Engaruka around 1700. The Engaruka plains are situated southeast of Lake Natron and 63 km northwest of Mto wa mbu, a village at the northern tip of Lake Manyara National Park.
These ruins provide an intriguing impression of their highly specialized, integrated agricultural economy. Engaruka is also famous for its early iron-working technology of iron spears, arrows, knives, axes, and other tools. Remnants from the early 20thC German colonial times include an old graveyard. The ruined city of Engaruka abounds with colorful birds, butterflies.
You can visit a local Maasai market, observe them trading cattle, and purchase their handcrafts. The Maasai of this area are known for their traditional medicinal knowledge of herbs and plants.
MKURU-WEST KILIMANJARO PLAINS TREK/CAMELRIDE
West Kilimanjaro plains are bounded on the east by Kilimanjaro National Park and in the north by Amboseli National Park, Kenya. This area, abundantly inhabited by diverse fauna and flora, is a wildlife corridor for Amboseli and Kilimanjaro National Parks. The attraction of this area is the majestic views of the snow capped MT.Kilimanjaro and elegant peaks of MT. Meru. On the plains, the pastoral Maasai will be seen herding their cattle. The Chagga people inhabit the slopes of MT. Kilimanjaro. Here, the visitor will interact with local community members to learn and experience their unique traditions and culture. The lakes of the West Kilimanjaro plains offer the opportunity of viewing water birds, and local fishing experience. A visit to the hot springs can be included. This expedition can be completed leisurely in 4-5 days.
Visitors may proceed to MT Kilimanjaro climbing along the Lemosho and Londorosi [Shira Plateau] routes on the western side of the mountain.
Camel Safari
